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But you know what? I thought since this is a treatment-free forum, I didn't know if I was going catch hell for considering smoking my hive. I guess smoking is pretty much an accepted practice across all philosophies.

I'll post a video shortly of the type of bees I'm contending with here in my backyard hive. My wife pretty much demanded I invest in a smoker, and a better suit, both of which are being shipped to my house as we speak.

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

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Look at all the blood-thirsty bees orbiting my head during this routine inspection. It becomes anything but routine, however, when they are this kamikaze-like. It makes me wonder if the whole hive was sipping a bunch of sake before they started hammering me. I bet hundreds of them die during an inspection when they are this mean.

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

Get those old socks out, you know the ones that strangle your big toe when you wear them and you swear if you can just make it though the day you'll throw them away when you get home.
I've taken and rolled them up a little less than the size of my smoker, then tie them with some sisal or hemp cord. I use a little crumpled newspaper to get the fire started, throw in the socks, top it off with some pine straw and your good to go. I have had one fueling last a pretty good while. Granted only four hives.

I know this can't be my idea I had to have read it somewhere just don't know where. Probably here

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

It was mentioned many times in many places that burlap from coffee beans (or similar) is really good. In my personal limited experience, my bees - hated pine-needles. I am using pepper-tree dry leaves just because it is readily available in our alleyway and bees tolerate it better than pine-needles. With pine-needles - they attack the smoker. They clearly made a connection between nasty smell and source of smoke. Smart creatures!

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

Originally Posted by PatBeek

But you know what? I thought since this is a treatment-free forum, I didn't know if I was going catch hell for considering smoking my hive. I guess smoking is pretty much an accepted practice across all philosophies.

I think most people who do not smoke bees are those who cannot (fire danger or such) or those who have not opened an angry hive. To me it is an indispensable tool, and I want one lit for most times I pop the top of the hive. Some times i don't use it, but I always want it available.

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

Yes, when pick it from a tree, cut as as soon as possible in pieces that fit into smoker. Then put in net sack, and hang somewhere to dry on air. Or boil and dry. I don't boil it for now, but some boil and dry and tell it has then even milder smoke..
Mostly it grows on a beech tree, but can on other - willow, birch..
Picture below

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

I use almost anything I can find in my smoker, it might be pine cones, cardboard egg boxes or shredded cardboard packaging even though it's a bit tarry. I usually add some chopped up lavender stalks and top it with a bunch of fresh grass to keep the smoke cool.

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

Originally Posted by 123_Bee

How much would you need for an inspection?

I use almost anything I can find in my smoker, it might be pine cones, cardboard egg boxes or shredded cardboard packaging even though it's a bit tarry. I usually add some chopped up lavender stalks and top it with a bunch of fresh grass to keep the smoke cool.

Usually one cut of it in smoker last long, I don't count the time. Often didn't burn the whole, so after inspections of tens of hives I just drop it in the water and dry after and reuse the piece that didn't burn. Also, you can see when the smoke isn't thick or feel when picking the smoker is rattling inside then you just add piece ( smaller or bigger depends how much work more you have) in it and continue with work.

Re: Best materials for smoker fuel

Originally Posted by HTC

Goran ?

Is that the fruiting body of a fungus?

If so I wounder what other kinds can be used?

When big enough, I remember as a kid some put the flowers in it as a pot and hanged in the air - it looks very decorative. Forgot, used as pot- this upper part is bottom of the pot, and opposite side you make the hole..